To build the Steam Deck, Valve has developed its own operating system for it called SteamOS (based on Linux). It looks like the company is not stopping here, as recent updates on its branding guidelines has included a new “Powered by SteamOS” branding that could indicate expansion to other gaming handhelds.
SteamOS Coming To Other Handhelds?
Under the Logo Assets section of the document, the “Powered by SteamOS” branding is to be used “for hardware running the SteamOS operating system, implemented in close collaboration with Valve.” Further down the documents under its dedicated section, here’s what Valve says:
The Powered by SteamOS logo indicates that a hardware device will run the SteamOS and boot into SteamOS upon powering on the device. Partners / manufacturers will ship hardware with a Steam image in the form provided by and / or developed in close collaboration with Valve. Physical alterations should not be made to the logo and it should not be combined with any other branding elements.
The text above pretty much confirms that any hardware with this badge will boot into SteamOS, meaning the operating system is set to be expanded beyond Valve’s own hardware. In fact, ASUS’s ROG Ally is one of them, so we should be able to see more mainstream handhelds getting Valve’s nod to run its operating system pretty soon.
Also, a bit of history – Valve’s previous attempt at certifying third-party hardware was the Steam Machines program some 10 years ago, but that wasn’t successful and the program largely became a footnote in PC gaming’s history. Still, an operating system that can allow smaller gaming handheld makers to avoid the cost of Windows licensing can be a pretty enticing deal, and SteamOS’s solid compatibility support should give Valve more chances of success.
Pokdepinion: Looking forward to see which handheld outside of Steam Deck will get SteamOS support first.
